JBU’s KLRC Leader In Ratings Catagories

Siloam Springs, Ark (August 30, 2001) - Radio station KLRC 101.1 FM in Siloam Springs enjoyed a record-setting spring according to recent ratings released by the Arbitron Company. The contemporary Christian radio station, which is staffed entirely by broadcasting students at John Brown University, ranked first among Christian radio stations in the area and first among all non-commercial stations.

The station was sixth among all Northwest Arkansas radio stations with a 5.7 share (twice the national average for Christian radio). Which is quite an accomplishment says Sean Sawatzky, KLRC station manager, “Obviously, we do everything possible to serve the Northwest Arkansas community, but we’re also here as a training ground for broadcasting students. Which makes us even more proud of this achievement.”

Melody Miller, KLRC Program Director, attributes the increase in ratings to music research and programming changes implemented earlier this year. The station eliminated two hours of talk programming on January 1. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but so many people were asking for more music during the work-day. The response has been phenomenal and the ratings definitely support that,” says Miller.

Women, ages 25 to 44, make up KLRC’s core audience, a demographic that many stations in Northwest Arkansas target. Overall, KLRC ranks second in this demographic with an 11.9 share among women 25 to 44. The “Drive Home” feature from 5 to 6pm ranked the best among women 25 to 44. The stations weekly countdown program on Saturday mornings also ranked first among its target audience.

The average KLRC listener is tuning in 10 hours per week. That is the second highest “time spent listening” rating in Northwest Arkansas and the highest rating the station has ever received in the category. The high ranking can be attributed to the loyalty of KLRC listeners, says Miller.

The record-setting ratings were not the only honors KLRC received this year. In March, the station raised $210,000 at the annual Sharathon, making it the most successful to date. In April, KLRC was honored on national television when it was awarded a Dove Award for Radio Station of the Year.

KLRC is owned by John Brown University and staffed entirely of JBU broadcasting students. John Brown University is a private Christian university and a member of the Arkansas Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Council of Independent Colleges.